St. Andrews Co-operative Playschool Inc.

St. Andrews Co-operative Playschool Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to early childhood education in the Toronto area. It operates as a charitable organization focused on the advancement of education through cooperative preschool programs for young children.

Overview

St. Andrews Co-operative Playschool operates on a cooperative model, where families of enrolled children become members who participate in the administration and operation of the school. The school employs Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualified teachers who develop and run the educational programs, while member families are involved in various committees and administrative duties, allowing the school to offer quality childcare at lower fees compared to typical preschools. This cooperative structure encourages community involvement and shared responsibility among parents[1].

Programs Offered

The playschool provides a range of programs for toddlers and preschool-aged children, designed to support developmental needs in an engaging and nurturing environment.

• Half-Day Toddler Program: For children aged 18 to 30 months, with class times from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Half-Day Preschool Program: For children aged 2½ to 5 years, with class times from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Limited spots are available.
• Early Drop-Off Option: Available at 8:30 a.m. for families requiring earlier care (additional fees apply).
• Extended Hours Preschool Program: Runs from 9 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. for children aged 2½ to 5 years, including a requirement for parents to provide a healthy, nut-free lunch.

Programs are offered on set days such as Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday, with options for attending all five days. The school year runs from September to June and does not operate during July and August[2].

Membership and Fees

New and returning families pay a registration fee, with a refundable responsibility fee tied to participation in cleanup and committee tasks. Families choosing not to join committees contribute through tuition fees that cover the non-committee member cost. This structure supports the cooperative governance and community involvement characteristic of the school[2].

Legal Status

St. Andrews Co-operative Playschool Inc. is registered under the Canadian business registration number 108004177RR0001. It is recognized as a charitable organization whose mission is the advancement of education for children in the community[4].

This playschool is a longstanding community-oriented educational institution promoting cooperative principles and affordable early childhood education through active parental involvement.